Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Emporia, KS: $57,125 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time licensed practical nurse in Emporia, KS earns a median $57,125/year (≈ $27.46/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Once you factor in Emporia's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 90.9), that paycheck buys what $62,844 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.7% below the Kansas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Licensed practical nurses in Emporia, Kansas, can expect a median annual salary of $57,125 in 2026. This figure, derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS data, reflects a local market where salaries range from $47,850 at the lower end (10th percentile) to $70,909 at the upper end (90th percentile). Given various employment settings, those working in skilled nursing facilities typically earn more than their peers in home health or physician offices, leading to significant salary variations. Understanding the pay implications associated with the choice between long-term care and other healthcare environments is vital for aspiring LPNs navigating the job market in Emporia.
About the Emporia Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,850 | $23.00 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $54,202 | $26.06 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $57,125 | $27.46 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $66,628 | $32.04 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $70,909 | $34.09 |
Median Salary Position
16.08% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Emporia
In Emporia, KS, the licensed practical nurse salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $23,059 (2026 est.). At $57,125, the local median is 16.08% below the national median of $68,071.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Emporia: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Emporia Licensed Practical Nurse Pay Compares
Emporia median: $57,125/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Emporia Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas Average | $61,890 | -7.70% less |
| National Average | $68,071 | -16.08% less |
Licensed Practical Nurses in Emporia, KS earn a median of $57,125 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.08% lower than the national median of $68,071 and 7.70% below the Kansas state average of $61,890.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Emporia has a cost of living 9.10% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Emporia, KS has a cost-of-living index of 90.9 (below the national average of 100). A licensed practical nurse earning $57,125 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $62,844 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.01% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$39,845
2025 BLS Actual
$54,044
2026 Current Est.
$57,125
2019–2027 Growth
+51.5%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Emporia (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39,845 | Actual |
| 2020 | $40,969 | Actual |
| 2021 | $40,340 | Actual |
| 2022 | $45,837 | Actual |
| 2023 | $50,125 | Actual |
| 2024 | $43,637 | Actual |
| 2025 | $54,044 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $57,125 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $60,381 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Emporia metropolitan area, the median licensed practical nurse salary grew 35.6% from $39,845 (2019) to $54,044 (2025). At a 5.70% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $60,381 by 2027 — a total increase of $20,536 (51.54%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Emporia metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 5.70% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $47,850 – $54,202 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $54,202 – $57,125 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $57,125 – $66,628 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $66,628 – $70,909 |
LPN salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual licensed practical nurse compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Licensed Practical Nurse Job Market in Emporia
With only five licensed practical nurses employed locally, the job market shows a limited presence, yet this also suggests potential for growth, given the 5.70% annual increase projected over the next few years. The cost-of-living index in Emporia stands at 90.9, indicating that salaries may stretch further compared to areas with higher living costs, which impacts take-home purchasing power for LPNs. Employers such as skilled nursing facilities typically offer more competitive compensation compared to home health agencies or physician offices. Factors influencing pay disparities include shift differentials, stipends for IV therapy certification, and additional premiums for weekend or holiday shifts in long-term care settings. Aspiring LPNs can maximize their earnings by seeking positions in higher-paying environments and pursuing relevant certifications or specialized training that enhance their value in the marketplace.
More salary data for Emporia, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do licensed practical nurses make in Emporia, KS in 2026?
Is Emporia, KS a good place to work as a licensed practical nurse?
Can licensed practical nurses make $100K in Emporia?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted licensed practical nurse salary in Emporia?
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Written by Aisha Malik, LPN
Career Analyst
Aisha has 10 years of experience as a licensed practical nurse. She specializes in pediatric nursing. Aisha has worked in various outpatient clinics.
Methodology & Data Source
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $54,044 for licensed practical nursesin the Emporia metropolitan area. A 5.70% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Emporia is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.70%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for licensed practical nurses (SOC 29-2061).
Compiled and verified by Aisha Malik, LPN, a licensed licensed practical nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov